As we head into the busiest time of year, we sat down with Dr. Ali to talk about one of the most important parts of holiday planning for patients on dialysis: staying on schedule. Every season, clinics see a spike in hospital admissions immediately after the holidays, largely because of missed treatments or confusion about clinic hours. Dr. Ali offers practical guidance to help patients enjoy the festivities while keeping their health front and center.
Why Skipping Dialysis Is Never “Just One Missed Session”
Dialysis is designed to mimic what healthy kidneys do 24/7, which means the recommended three weekly sessions aren’t optional. “Two days between treatments is really the maximum the body can tolerate,” Dr. Ali explains. Missing even a single session can quickly lead to symptoms such as muscle aches, shortness of breath, chest pain, high blood pressure, or simply feeling off. While every patient is different depending on remaining kidney function, the risks rise significantly during the holidays when diets shift and routines change.
Planning Ahead Makes All the Difference
For patients traveling or adjusting to special holiday hours, proactive planning is key. If you are an in-center patient traveling out of town, be sure to alert your home unit at least four weeks in advance so staff can coordinate care with another center. The idea is to minimize last-minute requests, since these are the hardest for centers to accommodate!
Home hemodialysis patients have more flexibility, often being able to complete two treatments 12 hours apart before traveling. But if they’re not taking equipment with them, or are traveling internationally, they should follow the same planning timeline as in-center patients. PD patients should also take proactive measures and request supply shipments at least one month in advance to ensure they’re covered.
Final Tips and Additional Resources
As we’ve discussed, a little preparation can go a long way in keeping you healthy and feeling your best throughout the season. Staying local? Still try calling your clinic early to confirm Christmas and New Year’s schedules since holiday hours can vary. If you’re traveling, create a simple checklist so you don’t forget essentials like medications, supplies, or important contact information.
For added support, turn to trusted kidney-friendly resources such as the National Kidney Foundation, DaVita, or our own blog, which offer practical tips regarding dialysis, diet, and overall health for the holiday season and beyond!
